Saturday, December 12, 2009

Flashback Challenge

Well, I am beginning to succumb to the peer pressure. I am starting to sign up for 2010 challenges. I really can't help myself. They sound so fun - and there is that element of academic pursuit that just speaks to me. I refuse to sign up for a challenge right away, however....no spontaneous decisions for me. I read about it -- cogitate on it --- read about it again --- imagine which books I would like to read (then which books I realistically think I will read) -- then cogitate some more. Some might call this indecisive - but I prefer to think of it as making an informed decision.

After signing up for the Rory Gilmore Reading Project two days ago, I have yet to read a book on the list BUT I have watched the first 6 episodes of season 1 and am thoroughly enjoying myself! It was beneficial for me to see the pilot episode and how each of the characters and story lines were introduced. I think I learned as much about beginning a new story/novel, as I did about this particular series - and I hope to use this information in some personal creative writing endeavors. I look forward to watching more episodes in the days/weeks to come - and to start reading some of the books on the perpetual challenge list.

The newest challenge that I am ready to join is the Flashback Challenge. I have been debating about this one for a couple of weeks, however, my trip to Barnes and Noble yesterday clinched the decision. They have a new series out called Books on Film - where they pair a classic novel with the movie DVD in a nice boxed set for under $15.00!! The one that caught my eye was Little Women. I remember reading this story as a young girl, but somehow I just never connected with it the way some of friends did. I am hoping that by reading it as an adult I will discover that magic.

The challenge runs from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010 and offers three levels of participation:

Bookworm - read up to 3 novels

Scholar - read 4 - 6 novels

Literati - read 6 or more novels

I think I will hedge my bets and only sign up for the Bookworm option, with the 3 books possibly including (although I reserve the right to change to mind as the year progresses):

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Other possibilities include (although their length may prohibit a read in 2010):

Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I have harbored this desire to read Anna Karenina and then pair that with the modern day version, What Happened to Anna K by Irina Reyne. We will see if that is a doable project for 2010.

There are a few more challenges that I have my eye on....but I am not yet willing to make the commitment. I am sure future postings will occur within the next couple of weeks.

I am curious which book you might like to re-read, if given the chance. Perhaps I will find more titles to add to my "possibility" pile.

I REALLY need to make some challenge decisions, and you're not making it any easier ;-)Books on Film is a great idea. How did I miss those when I was in B&N last week? Good luck with your challenges, Molly.

That IS a great idea for packaging. C.B. James would be happy to hear about that...maybe more takers for his challenge! So glad to see you coming forth on the challenges! I obsess over them too. You would think my life depended on me finishing them! Haha